The race, which begins at Compo Beach, will start at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Registration and check-in will begin at 8 a.m. The rain date is Sunday.

Registration for the Point to Point is $45 prior to race day and $55 the day of the event.

Scott Smith, communications director for the Westport Weston Y, said that between 140 to 150 swimmers -- "about the same turnout" as last year, he said -- are expected to participate. He said between 50 to 60 people had registered as of Tuesday.

The race is one mile, separated into three heats. The race starts near the cannons on Compo Beach, before participants swim around buoys, ending with a sprint across the sand to the finish line.

Last year's winner was 45-year-old Gregory Sargent of Fairfield, who finished in 17 minutes and 52 seconds. Swimmers from all over New England, ages 10 to 71, participated.

All proceeds from the Point to Point registration and sponsorship fees benefit the Family Y's annual Support Campaign.

Smith called the swim the "high watermark of our summer schedule."

"The energy and the enthusiasm from the people watching from the beach of these scores of swimmers ... it's a very exciting event," he said.

All registered swimmers will receive a Point to Point T-shirt. The top three men's and women's swimmers in each of the 15 age groups will also be rewarded a collectible mug.

This year's event will also include a kids swim beginning at 10 a.m. The entry fee is $15.